1.Provide savers with a secure place to invest their funds offer loans to individual and business borrowers

2.Advise firms on major transactions such as mergers or financial restructurings

3.Assume risk in return for premium payments

4.Invest in a broad range of stocks and bonds, get a management fee for their services, and provide professional investment services to savers

5.Offer investments services to accredited investors.

6.Provide needed capital to firms for investment purposes.